Spectators may soon soar above the traffic-snarled streets of Los Angeles during the 2028 Olympic Games, using a new air taxi service if certification hurdles are cleared in time.
Flying Taxis Set to Transform LA 2028 Olympic Experience
Flying Taxis Set to Transform LA 2028 Olympic Experience
LA28 partners with Archer Aviation to offer air taxi service for spectators.
Los Angeles, a city long plagued by traffic congestion, is taking an ambitious step to enhance the spectator experience at the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games. The LA28 organizing committee announced a groundbreaking partnership with Archer Aviation to introduce an air taxi service for fans attending both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This innovative service aims to transport attendees in a fleet of aircraft, providing a swift escape from the city's notorious roads.
This idea of flying taxis has gained traction over the years, though previous attempts, such as those planned for the Paris 2024 Olympics, faced setbacks due to certification issues with aviation authorities. Currently, Archer Aviation is not certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and progress towards meeting the required safety and design standards is ongoing, with hopes to receive the necessary Type Certification this year.
If successful, the air taxis would offer quick 10-20 minute flights between various prominent Olympic venues, significantly improving accessibility for both residents and visitors. Key details such as pricing are still under discussion, but Archer's CEO, Adam Goldstein, has indicated they intend to keep fares comparable to premium ride-sharing services like Uber. The air taxis will be bookable via an app, and each aircraft has the capacity to carry up to four passengers, employing a take-off and landing method similar to helicopters.
The Midnight aircraft from Archer, part of the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) class, boasts 12 engines designed to operate with lower noise and emissions compared to traditional helicopters. With backing from major corporations such as Boeing and United Airlines, Archer is among a group of innovators striving to reshape urban travel. Despite a myriad of challenges, including safety regulations and technical obstacles, the company views the 2028 Olympics as a critical platform to introduce its air travel concept.
Goldstein expressed an optimistic vision for the future of transport, stating, "We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America." With the broader goal of revolutionizing urban mobility, Archer Aviation is committed to proving its flying taxi concept throughout this iconic event.
As preparations for the LA28 Games continue, the city, which has previously hosted the Olympics in 1984 and 1932, is exploring ambitious strategies to minimize car traffic, an especially challenging endeavor given limitations on transit expansions. Meanwhile, other regions, including the UK, are setting timelines for flying taxi launches, yet hurdles remain across the industry as it strives to fulfill the promise of aerial urban travel.
This idea of flying taxis has gained traction over the years, though previous attempts, such as those planned for the Paris 2024 Olympics, faced setbacks due to certification issues with aviation authorities. Currently, Archer Aviation is not certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and progress towards meeting the required safety and design standards is ongoing, with hopes to receive the necessary Type Certification this year.
If successful, the air taxis would offer quick 10-20 minute flights between various prominent Olympic venues, significantly improving accessibility for both residents and visitors. Key details such as pricing are still under discussion, but Archer's CEO, Adam Goldstein, has indicated they intend to keep fares comparable to premium ride-sharing services like Uber. The air taxis will be bookable via an app, and each aircraft has the capacity to carry up to four passengers, employing a take-off and landing method similar to helicopters.
The Midnight aircraft from Archer, part of the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) class, boasts 12 engines designed to operate with lower noise and emissions compared to traditional helicopters. With backing from major corporations such as Boeing and United Airlines, Archer is among a group of innovators striving to reshape urban travel. Despite a myriad of challenges, including safety regulations and technical obstacles, the company views the 2028 Olympics as a critical platform to introduce its air travel concept.
Goldstein expressed an optimistic vision for the future of transport, stating, "We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America." With the broader goal of revolutionizing urban mobility, Archer Aviation is committed to proving its flying taxi concept throughout this iconic event.
As preparations for the LA28 Games continue, the city, which has previously hosted the Olympics in 1984 and 1932, is exploring ambitious strategies to minimize car traffic, an especially challenging endeavor given limitations on transit expansions. Meanwhile, other regions, including the UK, are setting timelines for flying taxi launches, yet hurdles remain across the industry as it strives to fulfill the promise of aerial urban travel.
